Cultural Diversity: South Africa is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and diversity, providing a vibrant backdrop for studies in art and design. Students can explore a wide array of cultural influences and artistic traditions, which can greatly enrich their creative expression and perspectives.
Dynamic Art Scene: South Africa has a dynamic art scene with numerous galleries, exhibitions, festivals, and workshops, especially in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. This environment offers students ample opportunities to engage with contemporary art and artists, fostering practical learning and networking.
Quality Education: Many South African universities and colleges are well-regarded for their quality art and design programs. Institutions often have strong connections with the art and design industries, providing students with valuable exposure to professional practices and career opportunities.
Innovative Approaches: South African art and design education often emphasizes both traditional techniques and modern technologies. This dual focus prepares students to be versatile creators adept at navigating various mediums and styles.
Affordability: Compared to many Western countries, studying in South Africa can be more affordable in terms of tuition and living costs. This makes it an attractive option for international students seeking quality education on a budget.
Beautiful Landscapes: South Africa’s stunning landscapes provide a powerful source of inspiration for artists and designers. From breathtaking coastlines and mountains to vibrant urban landscapes, the natural and built environments are a canvas for creativity.
Global Perspective with Local Context: South African art and design programs often combine global trends with local contexts, encouraging students to produce work that is internationally relevant yet distinctly South African. This approach helps graduates stand out in the global market.
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
University of the Witwatersrand |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Drawing, Photography |
|
Durban University of Technology |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Printmaking, New Media |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Jewellery Design |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
University of the Witwatersrand |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Drawing, Photography |
|
Durban University of Technology |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Printmaking, New Media |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Jewellery Design |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
University of the Witwatersrand |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Drawing, Photography |
|
Durban University of Technology |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Printmaking, New Media |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Jewellery Design |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, New Media |
|
University of the Witwatersrand |
Master of Arts in Digital Arts |
Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Visual Arts |
Painting, Drawing, Photography |
|
Durban University of Technology |
Master of Technology in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Master of Visual Arts |
Painting, Printmaking, New Media |
|
Rhodes University |
Master of Fine Art |
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Master of Applied Arts in Design |
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Jewellery Design |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Master of Arts in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Contemporary Art, Art History, Visual Cultures |
|
University of the Witwatersrand |
PhD in Digital Arts |
Animation, Interactive Media, Digital Culture |
|
Stellenbosch University |
PhD in Visual Arts |
Visual Arts Theory, Contemporary Art Practice, Curatorship |
|
Durban University of Technology |
PhD in Graphic Design |
Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, Graphic Arts |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
PhD in Visual Arts |
New Media, Fine Art Practice, Art Theory |
|
Rhodes University |
PhD in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Art Criticism |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
PhD in Design |
Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Design Theory |
|
University of Johannesburg |
PhD in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Art History |
University/Institution |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
Durban University of Technology |
Diploma in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Diploma in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Textile Design |
|
Tshwane University of Technology |
Diploma in Interior Design |
Interior Design, Spatial Design |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Diploma in Visual Arts |
Drawing, Painting, Printmaking |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture |
Jewellery Design, Metalwork |
|
Vega School |
Diploma in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Digital Design |
|
Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography |
Diploma in Visual Communication Design |
Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography |
|
Design Academy of Fashion |
Diploma in Fashion Design |
Fashion Design, Garment Construction |
Institution |
Course |
Duration |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ruth Prowse School of Art |
Short Course in Drawing |
6-12 weeks |
Drawing, Sketching, Illustration |
|
Vega School |
Short Course in Graphic Design |
10 weeks |
Graphic Design, Digital Design |
|
Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography |
Short Course in Photography |
8-12 weeks |
Photography, Photo Editing |
|
Cape Town Creative Academy |
Short Course in Animation |
8 weeks |
Animation, Motion Graphics |
|
Design Academy of Fashion |
Short Course in Fashion Design |
12 weeks |
Fashion Design, Garment Construction |
|
Michaelis School of Fine Art (UCT) |
Short Course in Printmaking |
10 weeks |
Printmaking, Techniques in Etching and Lithography |
|
Friends of Design - Academy of Digital Arts |
Short Course in Web Design |
12 weeks |
Web Design, UI/UX Design |
|
Red & Yellow Creative School of Business |
Short Course in Art Direction |
10 weeks |
Art Direction, Creative Concepts |
University |
Program |
Specializations |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking |
|
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Contemporary Art, Art History, Visual Cultures |
|
|
PhD in Fine Arts |
Contemporary Art, Art History, Visual Cultures |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media |
|
|
Master of Arts in Digital Arts |
Animation, Game Design, Interactive Media |
|
|
PhD in Digital Arts |
Animation, Interactive Media, Digital Culture |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Drawing, Photography |
|
|
Master of Visual Arts |
Visual Arts Theory, Contemporary Art Practice, Curatorship |
|
|
PhD in Visual Arts |
Visual Arts Theory, Contemporary Art Practice, Curatorship |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
|
Master of Technology in Graphic Design |
Graphic Design, Multimedia Design, Visual Communication |
|
|
PhD in Graphic Design |
Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, Graphic Arts |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
Painting, Printmaking, New Media |
|
|
Master of Visual Arts |
Painting, Printmaking, New Media |
|
|
PhD in Visual Arts |
New Media, Fine Art Practice, Art Theory |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture |
|
|
Master of Fine Art |
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture |
|
|
PhD in Fine Art |
Painting, Sculpture, Art Criticism |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Jewellery Design |
|
|
Master of Applied Arts in Design |
Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Jewellery Design |
|
|
PhD in Design |
Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Design Theory |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing |
|
|
Master of Arts in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Drawing |
|
|
PhD in Visual Art |
Sculpture, Painting, Art History |
University |
Program |
Intake Periods |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
January/February |
|
|
PhD in Fine Arts |
January/February |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Arts in Digital Arts |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Digital Arts |
January/February, July |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Visual Arts |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Visual Arts |
January/February, July |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Technology in Graphic Design |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Graphic Design |
January/February, July |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Visual Arts |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Visual Arts |
January/February, July |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Fine Art |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Fine Art |
January/February, July |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Applied Arts in Design |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Design |
January/February, July |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
January/February |
|
|
Master of Arts in Visual Art |
January/February, July |
|
|
PhD in Visual Art |
January/February, July |
University |
Program |
Tuition Fees (Annual, USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
$5,000 - $6,500 |
|
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
PhD in Fine Arts |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
$4,500 - $6,000 |
|
|
Master of Arts in Digital Arts |
$4,000 - $5,500 |
|
|
PhD in Digital Arts |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
$4,000 - $5,500 |
|
|
Master of Visual Arts |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
PhD in Visual Arts |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master of Technology in Graphic Design |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
|
PhD in Graphic Design |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master of Visual Arts |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
|
PhD in Visual Arts |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
$4,000 - $5,500 |
|
|
Master of Fine Art |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
PhD in Fine Art |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master of Applied Arts in Design |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
|
PhD in Design |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
$3,500 - $5,000 |
|
|
Master of Arts in Visual Art |
$3,000 - $4,500 |
|
|
PhD in Visual Art |
$2,500 - $4,000 |
University |
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art |
High school certificate equivalent to South African NSC, portfolio of art, proof of English proficiency |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts |
High school diploma, portfolio of work, proof of English proficiency |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
High school certificate, portfolio, proof of English proficiency |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Design |
High school diploma, portfolio, proof of English proficiency |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Bachelor of Visual Arts |
High school certificate, portfolio of art, proof of English proficiency |
|
Rhodes University |
Bachelor of Fine Art |
High school diploma, portfolio, proof of English proficiency |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Bachelor of Applied Arts in Design |
High school diploma, portfolio, proof of English proficiency |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art |
High school certificate, portfolio, proof of English proficiency |
University |
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) |
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, portfolio, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Master of Arts in Digital Arts |
Bachelor’s degree, portfolio of work, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Master of Visual Arts |
Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, portfolio, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
Master of Technology in Graphic Design |
Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or related field, portfolio, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Master of Visual Arts |
Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, portfolio of work, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Rhodes University |
Master of Fine Art |
Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, portfolio, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
Master of Applied Arts in Design |
Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts or related field, portfolio, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
University of Johannesburg |
Master of Arts in Visual Art |
Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, portfolio, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
University |
Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
PhD in Fine Arts |
Master’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
PhD in Digital Arts |
Master’s degree, portfolio of work, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Stellenbosch University |
PhD in Visual Arts |
Master’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
PhD in Graphic Design |
Master’s degree in Graphic Design or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
PhD in Visual Arts |
Master’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Rhodes University |
PhD in Fine Art |
Master’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
PhD in Design |
Master’s degree in Design or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
|
University of Johannesburg |
PhD in Visual Art |
Master’s degree in Visual Arts or related field, research proposal, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency |
University |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
University of Cape Town (UCT) |
UCT International and Refugee Scholarships |
Academic merit, financial need, international students |
|
|
National Arts Council (NAC) Bursaries |
South African citizens, academic excellence, art-related field |
|
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) |
Wits University Postgraduate Merit Awards |
Academic excellence, postgraduate students |
|
|
Wits International Scholarship |
International students, academic merit |
|
Stellenbosch University |
Stellenbosch University International Scholarships |
International students, academic merit |
|
|
Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarship |
Postgraduate students in arts, humanities, and social sciences |
|
Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
DUT International Student Scholarships |
International students, academic merit |
|
|
NRF Postgraduate Scholarships |
South African citizens, academic excellence, financial need |
|
Nelson Mandela University |
Nelson Mandela University Scholarships |
Academic merit, financial need, South African citizens and international students |
|
|
Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Scholarships |
South African citizens, undergraduate and postgraduate students in arts |
|
Rhodes University |
Rhodes University International Scholarships |
International students, academic excellence |
|
|
Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarships |
Academic excellence, postgraduate students |
|
Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
CPUT International Student Scholarships |
International students, academic merit |
|
|
NRF Honours and Final-Year Bursaries |
South African citizens, financial need, academic excellence |
|
University of Johannesburg |
UJ International Scholarship |
International students, academic merit |
|
|
UJ Postgraduate Merit Scholarships |
Academic excellence, postgraduate students |
Career Path |
Average Salary (USD/year) |
|---|---|
|
Graphic Designer |
$18,000 |
|
Fine Artist (Painter, Sculptor) |
$15,000 |
|
Animator |
$22,000 |
|
Interior Designer |
$25,000 |
|
Art Director |
$35,000 |
|
Multimedia Artist |
$20,000 |
|
Photographer |
$18,000 |
|
Fashion Designer |
$21,000 |
|
Industrial Designer |
$27,000 |
|
Art Teacher/Lecturer |
$30,000 |
